goldfish as bait

[fowlguy]

I googled Crappie goldfish and saw that a lot of people use goldfish to fish for catfish.

Also saw one article where a guy claims goldfish can work better than some minnows for crappie. Anyone ever use goldfish for crappie?

[crappie66]

I googled Crappie goldfish and saw that a lot of people use goldfish to fish for catfish.

Also saw one article where a guy claims goldfish can work better than some minnows for crappie. Anyone ever use goldfish for crappie?

I used goldfish a couple times when the bait shop was closed. I caught a couple bass and catfish using them. They are nothing more than a small baby carp, so I am sure the crappie will eat them as well. It is the same concept as using Rosey Red minnows. They do everything else a minnow does except they are brightly colored.

[GABoy]

I think in some states it is illegal to use goldfish for bait though, you might want to do some checking first.

[Barnacle Bill]

I think in some states it is illegal to use goldfish for bait though, you might want to do some checking first.

Yeah, I've read that, heard that or something that. Just can't remember where.

[unknown 5]

I have caught some HUGE flathead catfish with goldfish. The local bait shop wants around $.50 a piece for goldfish, so I don't reckon I will be using them for crappie. It is just as easy to seine some chubs out of the local creek and I may consider trying them for crappie. But, I will probably end up using them for big cats!

[VietVet68]

INDIANA LAW:

"It is illegal to possess, for any reason, a game fish that does not meet the bag limits or size limits indicated for that species. Any legally-caught fish may be used as bait. However, it is illegal to use live carp or gizzard shad for bait, except at Brookville Reservoir, where live shad are allowed. Live goldfish are legal baitfish. Do not dump bait buckets or move any live fish from one lake or river to another waterway. Introduction of live fish into a waterbody is stocking and requires a permit from the DNR."

[GABoy]

Yeah, I've read that, heard that or something that. Just can't remember where.

I can't remember where either, but I know I heard it or saw it somewhere too.

Apparently, it wasn't Indiana. Hee hee

[jigsbydirk]

i go to petsmart or stores like that and buy the small ones they use to feed oscars and fish like that and i have caught alot of crappie on them and catfish and bass. they work.

[crappie66]

Well at the time I used mine in Lafayette, Indiana (home of the PURDUE BOILERMAKERS). I guess I was legal in doing so. I miss my college fishing holes, maybe someday I will take a day trip from Ft. Wayne back down to Lafayette and fish my hot spots.